ONE of America’s most wanted fugitives has appeared in court after being apprehended in north Wales last week.
Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was arrested in Maenan, Conwy, following a joint operation involving North Wales Police and counter-terrorism officers. San Diego has been on the FBI’s most wanted list for over two decades, accused of orchestrating two bombings in San Francisco in 2003.
Court appearance
San Diego appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday. Wearing a grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 31.
The charges
The FBI alleges that San Diego planted two bombs at a biotechnology corporation campus in Emeryville, California, on August 28, 2003. The bombs detonated an hour apart, causing significant damage. A month later, on September 26, 2003, a bomb packed with nails exploded outside a nutritional products company in Pleasanton.
San Diego was indicted in July 2004 at the United States District Court for his alleged involvement in the attacks. He has been linked to an animal rights extremist group, according to the FBI, which previously offered a $250,000 (£198,000) reward for information leading to his capture.
Life on the run
Born in Berkeley, California, San Diego evaded authorities for 21 years before his arrest. The FBI said he had maintained connections with groups sympathetic to his cause and utilized sophisticated methods to remain undetected.
Why North Wales?
Questions remain as to why San Diego chose a quiet Welsh village as his hiding place. His arrest in Maenan has sparked speculation about the networks that may have supported him during his years as a fugitive.
The investigation into San Diego’s activities and potential associates in the UK is ongoing.
